The Philippine Online Chronicles

(Updated) Renowned comedian Redford White has passed away according to the recent posts of his close friend, Jim Paredes, in Twitter.

"At 6:47 am today, my great friend, fellow diver and a wonderful human being known to all as Redford White passed away peacefully. I was with him yesterday and we had our last hugs. I will miss you 'pre. Love you. Your great spirit has left many sad."

Jim Paredes further wrote, "I have been expecting this. My only consolation is that his physical suffering has stopped. I will never forget you dear friend. I love you. In truth, he counts among the most wonderful human beings I have ever known--generous, kind, light, uncomplicated, funny and loving. Your passing leaves a hole in my heart."

Redford White died of cancer of the lungs with complications in the brain. Earlier, rumors had been swirling that the comedian was sick with cancer and was even receiving treatment in  St. Luke's Medical Center, but he refused to confirm this. His manager sent word to ABS-CBN talk show, The Buzz, that Redford was in fact "in good shape."

The comedian was even spotted in a pizza parlor in The Fort, looking healthy and well. It was reported that Redford chose to keep mum on the truth about his condition as he was no longer active in showbiz.

Redford White, Cipriano Cermeno II in real life, was a comedian best known for his movies "Rambo Tango," "Tar-San," "Boni and Klayd" and "Hee Man: Master of None." He also starred in several sitcoms such as "Iskul Bukol," "Buddy en Sol" and "Daddy Di Do Du." His last tv appearance  was in ABS-CBN's action-drama series "Palos" which concluded in April 2008.

He, together with his wife Elena, had been busy managing the Sto. Nino church which the couple established in the early 1980s in Maligaya Subdivision, Caloocan City. His wake is currently being held in the same church. He was 54 years old.

He first gained recognition in the tv sitcom “Iskul Bukol,” where he exchanged comic jabs with the trio Tito, Vic and Joey and the late Bing Angeles, also known as, Mang Temi. His discoverer, director Bert de Leon said, “I spotted him at the old Broadcast City. I learned from the staff that he was an aspiring comedy writer from Cebu.”

“His real name, Cipriano, was hard to remember. Joey [de Leon] and I thought of the screen name Redford White instead,” the director added.

Close friends were able to visit the actor in his home days before his passing. Ces Quesada recalled that Redford was “in high spirits” despite his condition. “I remember it was the first time we ever saw him laughing out loud. But it was also painful because we knew it would be the last time we would see him,” Quesada narrated.

Redford and his family were reported to have accepted his fate. Fellow comedian and director of Buddy En Sol, Leo Martinez, said, “He seemed ready to go.”

Eric Quizon, his co-star in the successful comedy series, “Buddy En Sol” and “Si Lucio at si Miguel” sent this text message to ABS-CBN news, “A truly honest and good man has passed away. Red was my partner. My Sol. We were one. I was the body, he was the soul.”